Russian bomber films four NATO fighter jets intercepting it
Russian bomber films four NATO fighter jets intercepting it
Video has emerged showing NATO fighter jets 'buzzing' a Russian Tu-95 bomber. The footage was shot from the cockpit of the bomber and broadcast on Russian television channel TV Zvedza, which is owned by the Russian Defence Ministry. The time and location of the film is unknown but it seems to show two British (RAF) Typhoons and at least one French Mirage fighter flying within metres of the Russian plane. The video was released as it was revealed RAF jets intercepted a Russian Tu-95 bomber off the coast of Cornwall yesterday evening and two weeks after jets were scrambled to see off a similar Russian plane which flew down the English Channel.
Events of this kind have tripled in recent months. We can't date this video but what it shows is one of these events happening from the other side.
Alistair Bunkall, Sky News defence correspondent
U.K. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: "It is the first time since the height of the Cold War that has happened and it just shows you the need to respond each time he does something like that." The increase in close encounters between Russian military planes and RAF fighters comes amid increased tension between Russia and the West over the war in Ukraine. David Cameron said the episode demonstrated Britain had the military might to protect Britain, adding: "The Russians are trying to make a point and we should not dignify it with a response."
At no time did the Russian military aircraft cross into UK military airspace.
U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron
